NovaChat Vocabs

NovaChat offers a whole range of vocabularies including the popular WordPower, easyChat Phrases, MultiChat, myCore, Vocab PC, Communication Journey:Aphasia and Spelling.

WordPower

WordPower™ is a word-based vocabulary that is used to create sentences 'on the fly.' WordPower was developed by Nancy L. Inman, M.A.T., CCC-SLP specifically for the Chat devices. Nancy is widely known in the field of AAC for her work in developing, implementing and teaching word-based vocabulary programs. 

WordPower uses high-frequency core words to facilitate quick and easy sentence generation. It also includes nouns and adjectives that are organized in logical categories. Grammatical word classes have been included.  As a sentence is being built, you often find that the next word you want to say can be spoken with one or two button presses. A spelling/word prediction page is used to spell words that are not included in the vocabulary set.

Being a word-based vocabulary, WordPower can be used by a wide age group. Nouns, adjectives and verbs can be added and customized to meet the particular needs of the individual.   

WordPower is provided in a 20, 25 Touch & Scan, 42 basic, 42, 48, 60 Basic, 60, 80, 108 with Keyboard, 108 button page layout, and 140 Scan & Touch.

easyChat Phrases

Sometimes when a person is learning to use AAC a little help goes a long way to enabling effective communication.

Available in a 15, 25 and 48 locations with PCS Symbols, easyChat Phrases has a number of features which make this the ideal vocabulary for those who may benefit from support when building sentences, but who also may benefit from opportunity to build independent sentences using single words, or develop their skill in this area.

The simple starter phrases, generation of logical ‘next words’ and word endings which adapt as the sentence is generated this means that its never been easier to create grammatically correct sentences simply and effectively. Alongside this, the simplified one-hit core board, topic-specific core and the ‘hold’ function within each topic page mean you can easily model core and specific topic vocabulary at other times too.

Of course, in life sometimes only some rapid banter, retorts and zingers will do the trick – thankfully the inclusion of topic specific phrases means this can be easily achieved and that the phrases are personal to each individual, as they should be.

easyChat Phrases is here to support those who need it, so they can express themselves as they wish, in their way.

MultiChat

MultiChat 15 is offered in a Student, Adolescent and Adult version. There are multiple forms of communication available in this program; sentences, phrases, individual words, recordings for storytelling and visual scenes. Also included are interactive play and reading pages, social pages and a News-2-You starter page for the weekly newspaper's vocabulary. There are symbols on every button with the exclusion of several core words.

Communication Journey: Aphasia

Communication Journey: Aphasia is a vocabulary file containing features and vocabulary designed to support people with aphasia. It was developed by a group of speech-language therapists who work exclusively with people with aphasia and brain injuries. The framework of the file was derived from the Life Participation Approach to Aphasia from the Aphasia Institute in Toronto, Canada. The pages were created to facilitate participation in daily activities and to promote social links.

Aphasia, a disorder caused by damage to the parts of the brain where language is stored, may affect the ability to comprehend language, to express oneself, to read, or to spell and write. Communication Journey: Aphasia can easily be adapted for use by people with different types of aphasia and a range of cognitive levels and degrees of severity. 

Symbols, photographs, visual scenes, videos or words can be used on the message, topic and script pages.  Included are pages that facilitate supported communication techniques, self-advocacy, directing care, and repair of communication breakdowns. Information typically included in communication books; including pain and emotion scales, maps, templates for personal information and life stories, and schedules are also incorporated into the vocabulary file. Specialised features include variable “rate of speech” and “pause between words”. Grid size and vocabulary are easily customised to reflect and support the life experiences of the person with aphasia.

Although this vocabulary file contains starting-point vocabulary commonly required by adults with aphasia, it MUST be customised. Each person has a unique history and the file must reflect their lives, experiences and abilities. 

For further information, references and resources visit - Communication Journey: Aphasia

Communication Journey: Aphasia

myCore

myCore is a combination of core and phrase based vocabulary geared toward individuals with literacy skills.

myCore is part of AACelerate with myVoice, a unique suite of AAC vocabulary sets for the Chat family targeting the communication needs of a broad spectrum of individuals. This collection, which is intuitively woven into several different core vocabulary sets and phrase-based sets, incorporates the AAC vocabulary research of Dr. David Beukelman, Dr. Diane Bryen and Barbara Collier.

VocabPC

VocabPC was designed by Gail Van Tatenhove, PA, MS, CCC-SLP, for adults and adolescents with developmental disabilities. Vocabulary in VocabPC is arranged as carrier phrases, interactive sentences, activity vocabulary and naming words. VocabPC uses a 12 location page layout. The included manual contains customizing hints, teaching strategies, flashcards and vocabulary documentation.

Spelling

Spelling is a QWERTY keyboard page set with four word prediction buttons* and a few pre-stored phrases.